MELO KAN

Fusing an eclectic blend of passion and insightful lyricism, West Coast rap artist Melo KAN creates a sound that resonates with music lovers universally. To put it simply, Melo is not an artist created in a demographic vacuum. His stories of struggle and triumph transcend age, race, and demographic barriers and serve as inspiration to a generation lacking definitive leadership. His artistry stands out in an industry of copycats as he pushes the limits of creativity while balancing the needs of his listeners who crave more than just a brief sugar high. Melo says, “Nobody makes albums that people can still listen to years down the line anymore. I strive to make records so complete that 10 years later when you listen, you’ll say damn I wish brothas still made records like this!”

Similar to early rap pioneers such as Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and Grandmaster Flash, there is a message in Melo’s music. While he believes music should be fun, he also believes it should address socioeconomic issues of the time. “I was told when I get my turn to speak I should have something important to say,” explains the Los Angeles native. With songs like “So Cold” off 2007’s EPU album, on which Melo addresses the despondent issues of homelessness, and “H.A.T.E”, also off EPU, where he deliberates on the racial divisiveness in America, Melo definitely provides a voice that Hip-Hop is in desperate need of.

With no luck from a major label, Melo founded his own company in 2002 titled “4LB” (four pound) Musik. Under this umbrella, Melo’s extensive catalog of music stretches over 10 mixtapes, two underground releases and six officially released albums on iTunes. His songs have been featured on Inland Empire’s Wild 97 and his radio drops for Julio G and DJ Dense on Los Angeles’s 93.5 KDAY. Recently Melo' was featured as the first track on both DJ Green Lantern's Overtime Grind Pt 2 and DJ Drama's 3rd Infantry Division Pt 2 mixtapes. Both songs were tracks off of Melo’s Mama's Only Sun EP.

His 2012 single titled “You Don’t Like” featuring TDE’s Kendrick Lamar continued to build his buzz in LA as a certified Hip-Hop artist. Melo went on to headline shows from southern to northern California, even stretching out to Arizona and Colorado. He’s shared stages with the likes of Little Brother, Dead Prez, and Nappy Roots. He recently toured with a soul artist by the name of K.D. Brosia, which resulted in a collaborative album between the two that will be released this fall. Whether his set is with resident DJ’s Swank or Mino from his 4LB camp, or with a live band, Melo leaves the crowd in a passionate daze, emotionally drawn in and becoming literal parts of the performance itself.

Melo’s grind is a result of pure dedication and sheer will at times. With no assistance from managers or investors, Melo continues to come up with innovative ways to push his music and brand to the public. Although Melo had the opportunity to collaborate with several heavy hitters on his last Mama's Only Sun EP, his full-length follow up dubbed The Heart of the City, will be produced solely by industry renowned producer THX. Melo says “I feel like this album is going to take me where I need to be. Not only is it some of my best material, but the level of musicianship going into this project will definitely leave the listener feeling fulfilled.” With all of Melo’s accomplishments and meaningful intentions, the question still remains: are people really ready for an artist like Melo? Do people really want music that speaks to them directly and touches them emotionally? There’s only one way to find out – so in the words of Melo KAN, or “Lo” (as those close to him refer to him): Ready…Set…Lo!!

# # #